I want to help people…

Career planning is required to have clear goals and paths to achieve them. In the absence of
a goal or a clear path, your life is directionless. Once you have defined your goal and path, it
motivates and encourages you to gain skills and develop competencies to achieve it. These
competencies can be technical, conceptual or interpersonal, which you will gain along the
journey to achieve your goal.
Life is always uncertain and whatever you have planned might not work out. At such times
when things go out of control, these tips from David Koch help to be consistent in your
approach and keep following your dream. They help you in staying inspired and keep
moving ahead irrespective of the roadblocks that come your way. So, here are the words of
wisdom from one of the most successful businessmen: David Koch.
Your Confidence Will Let You Through from Any Circumstances
“Always have enough confidence in yourself to give anything a go. But, also have enough
confidence, if it doesn’t work out, to go and do something else”, says Kochie. He also
mentions that it was the single best bit of advice he ever received. He also says that he tried
to follow it to the letter. That came from his father, and he’s trying to pass it down to his
children. In essence, it means never be scared of an opportunity. Grab it, give it your best
shot, and if it doesn’t work out, then move on to something else. But never be left
wondering ‘what if? ’When Koch was working at Sunrise Network as a finance editor, he
came across an opportunity to become a host. He was happy for that. It seems that he
keeps asking himself: “How on earth did a finance journalist end up hosting Sunrise?” And
he answers that he has always been an opportunist and whatever he is today is all because
of the dedication and commitment that he had put in.
Don’t Get Intimidated by Others around You
When says that when he was a young, ambitious 25-year-old journalist, he looked around at
all the finance media icons to see what he could learn and how he could be as good. He also
mentions that they were all highly skilled with great contacts and much older than he was.
Then says, “So I looked for what could be the next big thing in finance journalism, something
so new and different than the usual rules wouldn’t apply and age wouldn’t matter. I’d seen
the boom in personal finance media in the US while visiting my parents, who were living in
San Francisco at the time. So I decided to do the same thing in Australia. I think the key in
any career is to look around and find an in-demand specialty where you can develop a
unique set of skills that can set you apart from the rest.”
Don’t Get Disheartened But Change with Changing Job Scenarios
The economy and technology have dramatically changed the working landscape. Tens of
thousands of positions have been made redundant and some jobs have disappeared
altogether — including many jobs in print media, where I started out. If you’re in a large
company, the first step is to look for the right department and job. Ignore the gossip and
check with the personnel department to see which divisions are hiring. Internal transfers

usually receive preference. Ask department heads about their long-range plans, and scan
trade magazines or websites to learn which parts of your industry are expanding.
Always Have a Goal and Find Ways to Achieve It
Every New Year I ask Libby and the kids what goals they’ve set for themselves for the next
12 months. For years they’d laugh at me. As they got older, there were fewer laughs and
even a couple of answers. Life’s so busy these days that we don’t seem to take a deep
breath, stop and think about what we want to do as individuals. But if you don’t have some
sort of map, how do you know where you want to get to?
When One Door Closes, Open the Other
I’ve always vowed I’d never depend on radio or television for a living. While they’re great
jobs, in some ways they’re horrible industries to be in because they’re so cutthroat and
volatile. When you have a single income, a couple of kids and a mortgage, that volatility is
unacceptable. So, I’ve always worked other jobs on the side because I don’t want to put the
family at risk. That little stash of cash from a second job gives you a fallback position for
when things go wrong and flexibility.
Money Is Important, but Contentment Is Must
There’s no doubt money is important. Being paid what your worth is important. But it isn’t
the be all and end all. My top priority has always been to be in a job I love and then be paid
appropriately for doing it. I’ve always thought it’s better to be happy to be paid a little
below what your worth and keep your job than push for every last dollar and run the risk of
being let go at the next downturn.
Stand Up and Take Lead
Branding is important for every organization. The same is applicable for your career as well.
Do what best you can at work and build up your reputation at workplace. Take up
responsibilities in your company even if it is not a part of your daily work. For instance, it
could be anything from helping a committee to being a first-aid representative. This can
help you develop your personal brand.
Get a Good Mentor to Guide You Through
If you are able to find a good mentor, it can be a great value addition to your life. As
youngsters, you would definitely need someone who can guide you through the right path
after graduation. A well-experienced mentor, who is successful in life, would be able to do
that.
David has followed these tips and philosophy all through his life and today at 79 years of age
he is successful completed many roles. This includes that of an operator and a company
director, a business tycoon, a presenter, a co-anchor and of an orator giving speeches on
finance, investment and real-world business advice to businessmen and corporates. Career

planning is very important to chase your dreams and goals properly. Often, we have a
dream but don’t know how to pursue it. These tips from David will help you in planning your
way to achieve it.